#JusticeForLebo artwork. PHOTO: Instagram/Raheez Morta
*Please note: This story contains details of physical and sexual assault that may be harmful to sensitive readers.
A 26-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday morning (9 July) in relation to a case of gender-based violence at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Tygerberg campus. The suspect is facing charges of sexual assault and common assault, which are under investigation by the Parow South African Police Service (SAPS), captain FC van Wyk of the Western Cape SAPS, confirmed.
“[The suspect] will appear in the Belville magistrate’s court on Friday [10 July] on the mentioned charges,” said Van Wyk.
The alleged attack took place at around 02:00 on 4 July at Ubuntu House, a student residence at Tygerberg campus, according to a source who wished to remain anonymous.
The female student that was allegedly sexually and physically assaulted at a gathering at Ubuntu House, Lebogang Masinga, went public with her allegations via a social media post that was shared on Instagram. Masinga is a third-year medical student.
#JusticeforLebo held the top trending spots on Twitter on 9 July after the Instagram Live-interview with former GoodHope FM presenter, Nigel Pierce. Screengrab: Leo Cordom
Masinga was left with a black-eye after the alleged altercation with the suspect. Masinga described the incident in an Instagram Live-interview with Nigel Pierce, former GoodHope FM host on the evening of 8 July.
According to Masinga, the suspect grabbed her inappropriately several times, despite her asking him to stop.
“The next moment his hands were on my throat,” alleged Masinga.
Masinga alleged that it was not the first time that the suspect has acted violently towards others.
“I’m not the first person. It’s just the first time someone actually defended themself in that situation, cause I told him [to stop],” she told Pierce.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCZIJR2Fz2N/?igshid=efm3kwhg83sq
Instagram- Live interview between Lebogang Masinga and Nigel Pierce of the Radio Police
Disciplinary action
The alleged perpetrator was temporarily suspended from SU on 5 July, according to a notice sent to students by dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of SU’s student affairs division.
“Further steps will follow, pending the outcome of the disciplinary procedures,” stated Makhetha in the notice.
This is a developing story.
– Leo Cordom, Kirthana Pillay & Rachele Button